Volunteering is an excellent way to become involved in our local creative community and to see some of Maine’s most wonderful artwork! Our galleries depend on the help of volunteers to maintain open hours, interact with gallery visitors, and assist in the general upkeep of the space. If you are interested in volunteering at either the Maine Media Gallery in Rockport, ME, or the PhoPa Gallery in Portland, ME, please contact the gallery manager, Sarah Whitling, at swhitling@mainemedia.edu.

Considering signing up for your very first workshop, but feel intimidated by the gear? Have no fear! Our introductory workshops are designed to put you at ease, and take the mystery out of image-making technology. We'll help you make the most out of your own camera, or you can borrow some fantastic equipment from our Digital Services Department. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable with your tools, so that you can get to work creating beautiful images and telling compelling stories. You might feel green right now, but by the end of your workshop you'll be set up with a foundation of skills that can be built upon for years to come.

We gave the heads of our film and video departments some of your most frequently asked gear fear questions. Here's what they had to say...

I've only ever shot with a point-and-shoot, and don't own a "real" camera. What do I do?

We have tons of great gear available for you to try out. Borrow one of our Canon DSLRs for the duration of your workshop!

Will everyone in my class be bringing their own gear?

Many students bring the equipment they own and want to learn more about, but we have plenty of cameras, lenses, tripods, and flashes for you to borrow.

If I borrow gear, will someone help me learn how to use it?

Our Digital Services Department can help you learn how to use anything that they lend out. You'll also be doing plenty of experimenting in the classroom and on location.

Will I be handicapped if I don't know how to use photo/video editing software?

Being familiar with photo/video editing software is not essential for most introductory classes. But we do offer some great one-day, two-day, and week-long workshops focused on software like Photoshop, InDesign, and Lightroom for anyone who wants to learn more.

I haven't been in a darkroom in 30 years. Do I need to be able to mix chemicals?

Not for an introductory course. When you're ready for the advanced classes, you'll need to be able to mix your own chemicals.

Will Maine Media provide gear to borrow if I take a Destination workshop?

You will need to bring your own gear for workshops held outside of Rockport.

I'm not sure that I'm ready for a week-long workshop. How will I know?

We also offer one and two-day introductory workshops on select weekends throughout the year. Take one of those, and you'll be hooked!

For a complete list of our introductory workshops, go to our website, select the discipline you are most interested in, and use the search tool to choose "Beginner" workshops.

If you come here for a workshop this summer, you're likely to meet dozens of talented and creative summer staffers who support our stellar list of world-renowned instructors. You'll also meet our core team who keep the place humming all year long. Last summer, YoPho and Intro to Digital Photography instructor Kari Wehrs made some stunning tin type portraits of our core staff. Click here to check out her work, and learn who we are and what we do. And be sure to introduce yourself when you're here, under the tent. We look forward to meeting you!

We've seen that look hundreds of times. It's Saturday, and your workshop has ended. You've been put through your paces, challenged and encouraged by your instructor and peers. You had your short crisis of faith, followed by a breakthrough that sent you speeding along with your creative drive pegged and your mind reeling with ideas. But now it's time to go home. Sometimes a week is exactly what you need to get moving again. But sometimes it's just not enough. For those of you who want to dive deeper into the creative process, take on more complex projects, or prepare for a professional career, Maine Media has what you need. This year, think about joining us for one of our long-term programs and leverage the reach and connections we've built with renowned professionals, industry giants, and master artists. Whether it's a four-week documentary workshop, a six-week work study, a 12-week residency, a 30-week Professional Certificate, or a three-year MFA degree, our long terms programs will launch you light-years ahead. Our programs are designed to suit every skill level, from novice to master, and are tailored to meet your interests. Give us a call, and we'll guide you to the program that's right for you.

Pages

The school delivers degree and certificate programs, workshops, intensives, and cooperative labs geared to students pursuing creative work in fine arts and media-related professions. MMW+C is a welcoming community that provides lifetime opportunities to explore the practice and concepts of media arts in photography, filmmaking, design and book arts as well as the converging applications of these dynamic media forms. MMW+C embraces historical processes as well as leading-edge technologies in image making and narrative expression. MMW+C is committed to fostering creativity, culture, and human communication in the world.

Maine Media Workshops + College,a registered tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or transgender status, marital status, religion, creed, ancestry, national and ethnic origin, veteran's status, physical, mental handicap or other legally protected classification in any of its policies or procedures – including but not limited to those related to admission, employment, advancement, the provision of educational services, and the granting of financial aid – or in its services, facilities, privileges or benefits in compliance with and to the limits of applicable state and federal laws.